What is Rio Salado’s Puente Program?

Puente is an outreach program designed for Latino(a) students to provide an early opportunity to attend college and continue on to complete a college degree. It is Rio Salado’s goal to make college more accessible to Latino(a) students.

Who can join Rio’s Puente Program and what are the requirements?

The program is open to Latino(a) high school juniors who attend participating high schools. In order to enroll, students must achieve a satisfactory score on required placement exams (AIMS, PSAT, SAT, ACT, ACCUPLACER, ASSET or COMPASS.), must attend all scheduled class sessions, activities, and maintain academic good standing.

How does Rio’s Puente Program work?

Selected juniors will become members of a student group (cohort) and will work with a supportive Cohort Advisor who will help each student develop an academic plan and guide their progress. Students in this program will take one on-line course per semester. They will have opportunities to connect with their peers through college events and Rio's own social network designed specifically for online students.

What are the advantages of participating in Rio’s Puente Program?

There are several advantages for students who participate in this program. First, students will have an early opportunity to attend college while in high school allowing students to achieve their educational goals in a shorter amount of time. Second, they will be introduced to hybrid and online class formats allowing students to recognize the learning options available to them. Next, they will be prepared to transfer to a university because all of the courses they take at Rio Salado College are transferable to all three Arizona state universities. The fourth advantage is cost. Students who participate in Rio’s Puente Program will have all courses paid for by scholarships while the students are in high school. Most importantly, students who participate in Rio’s Puente Program will receive personalized support from college professionals throughout their membership in this program.